JUST IN: Border wall and sanctuary cities omitted from spending bill

Fortunately, Republican and Democratic lawmakers have produced a $1.07 trillion spending bill to fund the government and avoid a shutdown. Unfortunately, it doesn’t include funding for Trump’s long-awaited border wall or address cutting funds to sanctuary cities.

The spending package, which funds the government through September, includes $1.5 billion for border security efforts, such as additional detention beds. It also includes a $12.5 billion down payment on Trump’s request to strengthen the military that could increase to $15 billion if Trump presents a plan for fighting ISIS to Congress — an amount only half of what Trump requested.

The House and Senate have until 11:59 p.m. Friday to approve the bill, which is now more attractive to Democrats since Trump’s desired $1.4 billion to fund the wall and its related costs have been omitted.

The omission of funding for the wall, which Trump has said can now wait until September, as well as the exclusion of language signifying grants would be taken away from sanctuary cities that refuse to share information about immigration statistics with federal authorities, is not sitting well with some GOP conservatives.

As a result, Democratic votes will be necessary to pass the proposed legislation even though Republicans control both the White House and Congress. If passed, the spending bill will be the first major piece of bipartisan legislation to be passed under President Trump.

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